Security device for a trailer hitch or similar article

ABSTRACT

A security device for a trailer hitch or similar article which engages with an outwardly extending peripheral flange around the trailer hitch or similar article, and which includes an element which extends into a coupling opening in the trailer hitch or similar article, thus precluding removal of the security device from the trailer hitch or similar article. A padlock is utilized to deter unauthorized removal of the security device from the trailer hitch or similar article, and the security device includes means to protect the shackle of the padlock from unauthorized removal.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/566,120,filed Aug. 10, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,759.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a new and novel securitydevice for a trailer hitch or similar article. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a security device which enters into acoupling opening in a trailer hitch or similar article, thus precludingunauthorized hitching or movement of the trailer.

The concept of utilizing a security device to preclude access to thecoupling opening of a trailer hitch when the trailer is left unattendedis well known. U.S. Pat. No. 3,410,580 to Longenecker, U.S. Pat. No.3,526,110 to Foote, U.S. Pat. No. 3,780,546 to Longenecker, U.S. Pat.No. 3,810,664 to Nunnink, Jr., et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,221 to Foote,U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,557 to Bulle, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,908 toBulle, et al. are directed to security devices for a trailer hitch whichutilize a lock integral to the security device. Such integral lockingarrangements typically add to the complexity and cost of the securitydevice, and the substitution of alternate locks is not readilyaccomplished. Also, such integral locking arrangements are oftenadversely affected by exposure to the environment, and thus can berendered ineffective by moisture, freezing and thawing temperaturecycles and corrosion. Further, some of these devices require anadditional separate tool to secure the security device to the trailerhitch.

U.S Pat. No. 2,571,349 to Eckles, U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,969 to Gersey,U.S. Pat. No. 3,434,741 to Grant, Jr. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,055 toVuillemot are directed to trailer hitch security devices which areretained by a padlock. Such an arrangement permits the lock to bereadily changed, and typically reduces the cost and complexity of thesecurity device. However, in these devices, the shackle of the padlockremains exposed when positioned in the security device. Thus, thepadlock shackle is exposed to unauthorized removal by tools such as boltcutters, hack saws or pry bars. Once the padlock is so removed, thesesecurity devices are rendered inoperative.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,569 to Dilk and U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,841 to Ponderboth disclose trailer hitch security devices which utilize padlocks.Also, these devices include an enclosure for surrounding, and thusprotecting the shackle of the padlock. However, in use, these securitydevices are large, heavy and cumbersome. Further, these devices would berelatively expensive to produce because of the mass of materialnecessary to fabricate these devices, as well as the relatively largenumber of parts involved.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is the provision of asecurity device for a trailer hitch or similar article which isrelatively light in weight, and compact in size, but yet providesprotection from unauthorized removal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a security devicefor a trailer hitch or similar article which includes a minimum numberof separate components.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a securitydevice for a trailer hitch or similar article which does not require aseparate tool to engage the security device to the trailer hitch orsimilar device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a securitydevice for a trailer hitch or similar article which utilizes a padlockand includes shackle protection to deter unauthorized removal of thepadlock.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a securitydevice for a trailer hitch or similar article which does not extendaround the front surface of the trailer hitch or similar article, thusdetering unauthorized individuals from removing the security device byprying on this area.

These and other objects of the present invention are attained by theprovision of a security device for a trailer hitch or similar articlewhich engages with an outwardly extending peripheral flange around thetrailer hitch or similar article, and includes an element which extendsinto a coupling opening in the trailer hitch or similar article, thusprecluding removal of the security device from the trailer hitch orsimilar article. A padlock is utilized to deter unauthorized removal ofthe security device from the trailer hitch or similar article, and thesecurity device includes means to shield the shackle of the padlock fromunauthorized disengagement.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, which illustrates a preferred embodiment of a security devicefor a trailer hitch or similar article, shows a perspective view of thesecurity device attached to a trailer hitch with the trailer hitch shownin phantom lines.

FIG. 1a is a supplemental cross-sectional view of the security devicefor a trailer hitch or similar article shown in FIG. 1 taken across line1a-1a of FIG. 1 with the trailer hitch shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the security device fora trailer hitch or similar article shown in FIG. 1 taken across line2--2 of FIG. 1 with the trailer hitch shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the security device for a trailer hitch orsimilar article shown in FIG. 1 with the padlock removed and thesecurity device in its inoperative position with the trailer hitch shownin phantom lines.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the security device for a trailer hitch orsimilar article shown in FIG. 1 with the security device in itsoperative position with the trailer hitch shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 5, which illustrates a second preferred embodiment of a securitydevice for a trailer hitch or similar article shows a perspective viewof the security device attached to a trailer hitch with the trailerhitch shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the second embodiment of the security devicefor a trailer hitch or similar article shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the second embodiment of the security device fora trailer hitch or similar article shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the second embodiment of the security devicefor a trailer hitch or similar article shown in FIG. 5 with the trailerhitch shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 9, which illustrates a third preferred embodiment of a securitydevice for a trailer hitch or similar article, shows a perspective viewof the security device attached to a trailer hitch with the trailerhitch shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the third embodimentof the security device for a trailer hitch or similar article shown inFIG. 9 taken across line 10--10 of FIG. 9 with the trailer hitch shownin phantom lines.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the third embodiment of the security device fora trailer hitch or similar article shown in FIG. 9 with the trailerhitch shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the third embodiment of the security devicefor a trailer hitch or similar article shown in FIG. 9 with the trailerhitch shown in phantom lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, in which like referenced charactersindicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attentionis first directed to FIGS. 1 through 4 which illustrate a preferredembodiment of a security device for a trailer hitch or similar article,designated generally by the number 30, engaged on trailer hitch 20.Trailer hitch 20 is of conventional design, and includes at its rearwardend openings 22 which permit attachment of trailer hitch 20 to a trailer(not shown) utilizing conventional fasteners (not shown). It will berecognized that trailer hitch 20 can be attached to the trailer (notshown) in other ways, for example, by welding, riveting, or utilizingsome other joining process.

As seen in FIG. 2, the forward end of trailer hitch 20 includes couplingopening 24, which is dimensioned to engage with a towing ball (notshown) mounted on the draft vehicle (not shown). The diameter ofcoupling opening 24 varies, depending upon factors such as the weight ofthe trailer (not shown) being towed, but coupling opening isconventionally either 17/8 inches in diameter, or 2 inches in diameter.A conventional latching arrangement, shown generally as 26, is mountedadjacent coupling opening 24, and secures the towing ball (not shown)within coupling opening 24 when the trailer (not shown) is being towed.

Exterior surface 27 of coupling opening 24 transitions through radiusportion 28 to horizontally extending peripheral flange 29. While thedimension of radius portion 28 and horizontally extending peripheralflange 29 vary with the different trailer hitch manufacturers, thesefeatures are generally included in trailer hitch 20.

Security device 30 consists generally of body 32, projection element 50,and padlock 70. Although many materials may be used, applicant has foundit advantageous to fabricate body 32 and projection element 50 from acast ductile iron material. Body 32 includes a plurality of horizontallyextending channels 34 which are dimensioned to slide in relation tohorizontally extending peripheral flange 29. The height and depth ofhorizontally extending channels 34 are dimensioned to accommodatevariations in radius portion 28 and horizontally extending peripheralflange 29. Legs 36 extend downwardly below horizontally extendingchannel 34, and are joined by web 38.

Projection element 50 is generally rectangular in configuration andincludes enlarged head portion 52 which, when security device 30 is inits operative position, extends into coupling opening 24 of trailerhitch 20. Side surfaces 54 of projection element 50 include straightportion 56 which transitions into radius portion 58 along a lineapproximately two-thirds of the distance through the depth of projectionelement 50 from back surface 60. Side surfaces 54 are dimensioned toslide in relation to vertically extending channels 40 of body 32.Vertically extending channels 40 extend into legs 36 at the transitionfrom legs 36 to web 38. Vertically extending channels 40 includestraight portion 41 which transitions into radius portion 42 along aline approximately two-thirds of the distance through the width ofvertically extending channels 40 from web 38 to match the configurationof side surfaces 54. The utilization of straight portions 41 and 56transitioning into radius portions 42 and 58 assure that projectionelement 50 is in the proper orientation within body 32. However, it willbe recognized by those skilled in the relevant art that other channeland matching side surface configurations could be used, including, forexample, square-shaped, U-shaped, or even no channel at all. Enlargedhead portion 52 retains projection element in body 32 when padlock 70 isnot engaged.

Web 38 includes centrally located opening 44. Similarly, projectionelement 50 includes centrally located opening 62. Opening 44 and opening62 are vertically orientated such that when enlarged head portion 52 hasentered into coupling opening 24, opening 44 and opening 62 are aligned.In this operative position shackle 72 of padlock 70 is placed throughopenings 44 and 62 to secure projection element 50 in this position.Preferably, the exterior portions of openings 44 and 62 are tapered toaccommodate the curvature of shackle 72 while maintaining the diameterof the through hole.

Web 38 includes cavity 45 of a generally rectangular configuration inits bottom surface 46. The width of cavity 45 is dimensioned to securelock body 74 of padlock 70 when shackle 72 is engaged through openings44 and 62. Similarly, projection element 50 includes bottom surface 64which is dimensioned to be flush with bottom surface 47 of web 38 whenshackle 72 is engaged in openings 44 and 62. Legs 36 preferably extendboth forwardly and rearwardly of web 38 to a sufficient distance suchthat the exposed portion of shackle 72 is shielded when shackle 72 isengaged within lock body 74 of padlock 70. This shielding of shackle 72provides protection against the entry of bolt cutters, hack saws, prybars or other tools which may be used by unauthorized individuals todisengage padlock 70.

In operation, security device 30 is installed with padlock 70 removed,and enlarged head portion 52 of projection element 50 resting on web 38.Security device 30 is aligned with the front of trailer hitch 20 sohorizontally extending channels 34 are aligned with horizontallyextending peripheral flange 29. When so aligned, security device 30 ispushed horizontally permitting horizontally extending channels 34 toengage with horizontally extending peripheral flange 29. This movementis continued until enlarged head portion 52 of projection element 50 isorientated under coupling opening 24. At this position, projectionelement 50 is pushed upwardly to cause enlarged head portion 52 to entercoupling opening 24 and aligning openings 44 and 62. Shackle 72 ofpadlock 70 is then inserted through openings 44 and 62 to secureprojection element 50, and thus security device 30, in its operativeposition.

To disengage security device 30 from trailer hitch 20, shackle 72 isdisengaged from lock body 74 of padlock 70 using, for example, a key(not shown). Shackle 72 is then removed from openings 44 and 62 thusallowing projection element 50 to drop downwardly out of couplingopening 24. Security device 30 is then pulled horizontally off trailerhitch 20. In order to store security device 30 as a single integralunit, openings 44 and 62 can be aligned after security device 30 hasbeen removed from trailer hitch 20. Shackle 72 is then placed throughopenings 44 and 62 and engaged with lock body 74 of padlock 70 toprovide a integral compact volume for storage of security device 30 whennot in use.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, a second embodiment of a securitydevice for a trailer hitch is shown generally as 130. This embodimentpreferably includes body 132 and padlock 70. Body 132 is preferably asingle integral piece. Body 132 includes a plurality of horizontallyextending channels 134 dimensioned to slide in relation to horizontallyextending peripheral flange 29. In the embodiment shown in the drawings,horizontally extending channels 134 transition from parallel portion 135into radius portion 137. Parallel portion 135 and radius portion 137correspond to the transitional radius of horizontally extendingperipheral flange 29. When radius portion 137 makes contact withhorizontally extending peripheral flange 29, a stop is provided, thusproviding proper orientation between security device 130 and trailerhitch 20. While horizontally extending channels 134 could be extended tocompletely enclose horizontally extending peripheral flange 29, and thusprovide a more secure stop, this is undesirable from the applicant'spoint of view since such a design provides an accessible and convenientpry point for unauthorized individuals to place a pry bar to attempt topry security device 130 from trailer hitch 20 in a forward direction.

Bottom surface 133 of horizontally extending channels 134 extends theentire width of body 132. Bottom surface 133 includes two symmetricalopenings 139 which extend to outer wall 141 and are centrally positionedin body 132. Openings 139 preferably include parallel side walls 143which extend from outer wall inward and transition together throughradius portion 145. Centrally located longitudinally extending web 138separates the two openings 139. Longitudinally extending web 138transitions at its forward and rearward extremes into downwardlyextending legs 136. Downwardly extending legs 136 are dimensioned to beof sufficient width to shield the exposed shackle 72 of padlock 70 whenshackle 72 is engaged with lock body 74 of padlock 70 in security device130.

In operation, security device 130 is installed with padlock 70 removed.Security device 130 is aligned to the front of trailer hitch 20 so thathorizontally extending channels 134 are aligned with horizontallyextending peripheral flange 29. When so aligned, security device 130 ismoved horizontally rearward, thus engaging horizontally extendingchannels 134 with horizontally extending peripheral flange 29. Thismovement continues until radius portion 137 contacts horizontallyextending peripheral flange 29, thus positioning security device 130 inthe proper orientation with respect to coupling opening 26 of trailerhitch 20. Shackle 72 of padlock 70 is then placed up through openings139, thus securing shackle 72 over web 138. Once so positioned, shackle72 is engaged with lock body 74 of padlock 70 and security device 130 issecured on trailer hitch 20.

To disengage security device 130 from trailer hitch 20, shackle 72 isdisengaged from lock body 74 of padlock 70 using, for example, a key(not shown). Shackle 72 is then removed from openings 139, and padlock70 removed from security device 130. Security device 130 is movedhorizontally forward to clear trailer hitch 20. For storage, shackle 72of padlock 70 can be reinserted through openings 139, and engaged withlock body 74 of padlock 70 to form a single integral unit for compactstorage when security device 130 is not in use.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 12, a third embodiment of a securitydevice for a trailer hitch is shown generally as 230. This embodimentpreferably includes a plurality of horizontally extending channels 234similar to that previously described in connection with security device130. Therefore, reference is made to this previous discussion, and suchdisclosure is incorporated into this embodiment by reference.

Bottom surface 233 of horizontally extending channels 234 extends theentire width of security device 230. Bottom surface 233 includes twogenerally rectangular cut-out portions 239, both of which are open torear wall 235 of bottom surface 233. Centrally positioned, rearwardlyextending web 238 separates cut-out portions 239. Rearwardly extendingweb 238 transitions at its rearward extreme to downwardly extending leg236. Downwardly extending leg 236 is preferably the same width as web238 and extends downwardly a sufficient distance to shield the exposedportion of shackle 72 when padlock 70 is engaged with lock body 74 ofpadlock 70 in security device 230. The height of downwardly extendingleg 236 is dimensioned such that padlock 70 can be slid over downwardlyextending leg 236 when shackle 72 is disengaged from lock body 74. Thewidth of rearwardly extending web 238 is such that it accommodatesshackle 72 when engaged in lock body 74. The width of rearwardlyextending web 238 is such that it will accommodate the width of lockbody 74 when shackle 72 is engaged with lock body 74. If desired, sidewall 241 can be extended downward to further shield shackle 72 whenengaged with lock body 74 on security device 230.

In operation, security device 230 is initially installed on trailerhitch 20 in the same manner as previously described for security device130. However, once security device 230 is orientated in the properposition on trailer hitch 20, shackle 72 of padlock 70 is moved forwardover downwardly extending leg 236 across web 238. This eliminates thenecessity of routing shackle 72 upward through one opening, and downwardthrough a second opening. Once shackle 72 is brought into position overweb 238, it can be engaged with lock body 74 Of padlock 70, thusretaining security device 230 on trailer hitch 20.

To disengage security device 230 from trailer hitch 20, shackle 72 isdisengaged from lock body 74 of padlock 70 using, for example, a key(not shown). Padlock 70 is then slid rearward over downwardly projectingleg 236 and removed. Security device 230 is then moved horizontallyforward to clear trailer hitch 20. For storage, shackle 72 of padlock 70can be reattached over web 238, and engaged with lock body 74 to form anintegral unit for compact storage when security device 230 is not inuse.

From the preceding description of the preferred embodiments, it isevident that the objects of the invention are attained by the presentinvention. Although this invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way ofillustration and example only and is not to be taken by way oflimitation. For example, the first preferred embodiment discussed couldbe readily modified to incorporate a stop to orient the security deviceon the trailer hitch as discussed in connection with the secondpreferred embodiment. Therefore, the spirit and scope of this inventionare to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A security device for a trailer hitch, saidtrailer hitch having a peripheral flange and a coupling opening,comprising:a body member which engages with said peripheral flange ofsaid trailer hitch to restrict vertical movement of said security devicein relation to said trailer hitch, said body member having twodownwardly extending, substantially parallel legs and a transverse webwhich extends between said legs; a projection element which slidesvertically between said legs of said body member for entering into saidcoupling opening in said trailer hitch to restrict horizontal movementof said security device in relation to said trailer hitch; saidtransverse web includes a first opening; said projection elementincludes a second opening such that when said projection element extendsupwardly into said coupling opening, said first opening and said secondopening are aligned; a lock means extending through said first openingand through said second opening for removably retaining said projectionelement in position relative to said body member; said lock meansincludes a shackle and a lock body and said shackle is removablyretained within said lock body; and said body member includes ashielding means for precluding access to said shackle when said shackleis secured through said first opening and through said second opening.2. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said bodymember includes at least one horizontally extending channel whichslideably engages with said peripheral flange of said trailer hitch torestrict vertical movement of said security device in relation to saidtrailer hitch.
 3. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 2wherein said body member includes two horizontally extending channels,said horizontally extending channels are substantially parallel alongtheir entire length.
 4. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim2 wherein said body member includes two horizontally extending channels,said horizontally extending channels are parallel over a portion oftheir length and radially extend towards each other over a portion oftheir length.
 5. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 1wherein said legs extend below said shackle when said shackle isretained within said lock body to preclude access to said shackle. 6.The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said bodymember includes at least one vertically extending channel such that saidprojection element is retained in said vertically extending channel torestrict horizontal movement of said projection element relative to saidbody member.
 7. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 6wherein:said projection element has a first and a second vertical sideedge; said vertical side edge of said projection element includes astraight portion and a radius portion; said vertically extending channelincludes a straight portion and a radius portion; and said straightportion and said radius portion of said vertical side edge of saidprojection element corresponds to said straight portion and said radiusportion of said vertically extending channels to ensure properorientation of said projection element in relation to said body member.8. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 7 wherein saidprojection element includes an enlarged head portion to precludecontinued vertical downward movement of said projection element inrelation to said body member at a predetermined location.
 9. Thesecurity device for a trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said lock meanscomprises a padlock.
 10. The security device for a trailer hitch ofclaim 1 wherein said body member is fabricated as a cast iron casting.